From: "Rich Gauszka" 


"Robert Comer"  wrote in
message news:4415b1e1$1{at}w3....
> >Another interesting angle is  research indicating that it may be possible
> >to use a laser to trigger a  fusion device, i.e., without a fission
> >device as a trigger.
>
> We may see fusion reactors like that eventually, but it takes a LOT of
> power -- not quite a self contained weapon.  I think it has to be pulsed
> too, as the plasma would effectively block a laser.  It sure will be nice
> for power generation if we can ever get more power out than what goes in,
> and can contain that kind of thing...
>
> --
> Bob Comer
>
>
>
I'm not sure if they've acheived 'breakeven' yet. Plus Livermore has done
research on it since the 90s

http://physicsweb.org/articles/news/9/9/2/1
Fast ignition was first demonstrated at the Gekko XII laser at Osaka
University in Japan in 2001, working with a team of UK scientists. Kodama
and colleagues are now upgrading their laser system in order to approach
"breakeven" - the point at which the energy output is equal to
the energy needed to sustain the reaction. They then plan to further
enhance their system so that it reaches ignition, which happens when the
fusion reactions generate enough energy to sustain themselves without the
need for further heating. Finally, they hope to build a demonstration
fast-ignition facility. Physicists in the US are also studying fast
ignition.

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